Home
Search
live

Australian news and politics live: Navy Chief warns bases, ports under threat unless drone fleet a focus

Matt Shrivell and Max CorstorphanThe Nightly
CommentsComments
Cities in war-torn regions of Ukraine and Russia have been besieged by waves of drone attacks.
Camera IconCities in war-torn regions of Ukraine and Russia have been besieged by waves of drone attacks. Credit: AAP

Scroll down for the latest news and updates.

Reporting LIVE

CDF Chief: More Chinese Navy operations to come

Australia should expect the Chinese Navy will operate “at a more regular rate” in the Indian Ocean and South West Pacific than previously, said Admiral David Johnston, the Chief of the Defence Force on Monday.

Chinese military capabilities are growing at their fastest rate since WWII, Admiral Johnston told News Corp’s Defending Australia conference.

“As they grow, we’re expecting that they will seek to be able to demonstrate that capability and exert the influence that they believe is in their national interest,” he said.

Earlier this year, Defence had used multiple methods to extensively monitor the Chinese maritime task group that had circumnavigated Australia, and responded proportionately, he said.

“As an expanding Blue Water Navy, we should expect the Chinese navy to undertake similar deployments more regularly to the South West, Pacific and Indian Ocean,” he said.

“These deployments are opportunities to expand their training, improve their operational readiness and demonstrate their increasing capability.”

Matt Shrivell

Alleged offender under guard in hospital, no charges yet

Police have the suspect under heavy guard at a nearby hospital according to the Commissioner.

They are “receiving treatment in hospital at the moment,” Ms Adams said.

“I’m advised that he has non-life threatening injuries.”

The alleged offender has not yet been formally charged.

“Once medical attention has been provided we’ll work through the charging of the offender,” the Commissioner added.

Matt Shrivell

Situation spiralled quickly as officers and alleged offender fired shots

The actions of the alleged shooter shocked the experienced group of police charged with delivering a court order.

“We had a number of other officers who responded once they heard the shots and ... the special operations group responded in a front line response,” the Commissioner said.

“They were also threatened by the offender and they shot the offender in the hand before making an arrest.”

“They’ve attended over 800 jobs in support of front line and on this occasion they were completely shocked by what was a routine incident for our police officers to have been confronted with.

“I can’t say what the officers were thinking at the time of the incident but they would have taken all the precautions that they needed to in attending the house.

“There’s a long driveway as I understand that leads to the residence. The Special Operations Group was down the end of the driveway near the gate.

“They were then to support the front line officers who had the lead.”

Read the full story here.

Matt Shrivell

Commissioner: Dead police officer had over 25-years experience

Ms Adams has delivered her heartfelt sympathies to the wife of the fallen 57-year-old officer who had over 25 years experience in the force.

“He was a respected and committed officer who has served the community with dedication for 25 years, and his loss will be deeply felt across our policing family and the wider community.”

“My heart goes out to his wife and family today. We will be supporting them in every way we can during this incredibly difficult time.”

Tasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams said the fatal shooting was ‘tragic and devastating’.
Camera IconTasmanian Police Commissioner Donna Adams said the fatal shooting was ‘tragic and devastating’. Credit: SUPPLIED/PR IMAGE
Matt Shrivell

Commissioner details alleged ambush of officer as he approached house

The Commissioner has spoken about what amounted to an ambush as the experienced offficer approached a house and was allegedly gunned down.

“Shortly after 11am, police officers attended a residential property on Allison Road, North Motton to execute a court-issued warrant to repossess the residence,” the Commissioner said.

“As police approached the house, our officer was allegedly shot by the resident.”

“He was critically injured in the incident and died at the scene.”

“This is absolutely devastating, and we are doing everything we can to support those involved and affected.”

Matt Shrivell

Officer shot and killed will not be named yet: Adams

Out of respect for various family members and close friends who may not have been contacted, Tasmania’s Police Commissioner Donna Adams says they will not be releasing his name at the moment.

“I want to convey my heartfelt condolences and support to the family and also the colleagues of this officer,” the Commissioner stated.

“The safety of our officers is our number one priority and to see an officer tragically killed in these circumstances is truly shocking.

“There are a number of members of family who haven’t been advised of his passing.

“We’ll provide further details about the police officers distinguished 25-year career over coming days.”

Matt Shrivell

Tasmania Police Commissioner says slain officer was just doing his job

Tasmania’s Police Commissioner Donna Adams is addressing the media to speak about the police officer who was shot and killed while on “routine duties” earlier today.

The Commissioner has begun by saying it is a “tragic an devastating day for Tasmania Police” and that “all Tasmania police officers stand together in shock and in grief.”

Matt Shrivell

‘My expectations for interest rate cuts increased’: Chalmers

The federal Treasurer has given a clear indication that he expects an interest rate cut following the next meeting of the RBA.

“Typically what reserve banks do, central banks, not just our own, but they try and look through temporary spikes in prices, and to consider the broader implications,” Mr Chalmers said referring to the war in the Middle East.

“After the events of last Friday and Saturday, my expectations for interest rate cuts in Australia actually increased rather than decreased.

“The market is more focused on the implications for global growth, particularly if we see some of these sea lanes closed down, important sea lanes.

“The market is more focused on the consequences for growth than any near-term consequences for inflation.”

Matt Shrivell

Chalmers says Israel, Iran war will have economic impact on Australia

Treasurer Jim Chalmers has spoken out about the impact the war in the Middle East is set to have on Australians.

“We are focused primarily on the human cost of what’s happening in the Middle East, and that is why we are urged dialogue and de-escalation. But there will be and there are already substantial economic consequences, as well,” Mr Chalmers told the ABC.

“On Friday, we saw a very substantial price spike in the oil price for example, somewhere between ten and 11 per cent spike in the price of oil per barrel.

“It is still higher now than what it was at the beginning of last week but it has moderated a bit, so very volatile oil prices. And commodity prices more broadly as well.

“Now this obviously opposes two kinds of risks, higher oil prices do pose a risk to the inflation outlook but they also pose a risk to global growth,” Mr Chalmers added.

DFAT working on ‘range of plans’ to help Australians stranded in Middle East

Foreign Minister Penny Wong has said the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is working on a “range of plans” to help Australians escape the escalating crisis in the Middle East.

This includes “a plan for assisted departures when air space is open and when it is safe to do so,” she said on Monday during a visit to DFAT’s crisis centre in Canberra.

“I understand, particularly those who are in the Middle East, in Israel or Iran, how worrying this situation is, how frightening it is. And I also recognize for families of people who are in the region, this is a distressing time,” she said.

Senator Wong said 350 Australians in Iran and 300 people in Israel had registered for assistance.

But she stressed the timeline for possible evacuations would be “primarily dictated by safety” as airspace remains closed, urging those affected to shelter in place.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails


Comments

To comment on this story and join the conversation, subscribe to The West Australian’s Everyday Digital package.

Are you already a subscriber?